NFL Conference Championship Predictions

The 2019 NFL Playoffs are down to its final four teams. The New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams will battle for the NFC title. The Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots will battle for the AFC title. The winners of each game will punch their ticket to Super Bowl LIII (53). Both games will be played Sunday, January 20th. Which teams will survive and take one step closer to glory? This article will preview and predict a winner from each game. Let’s start with the NFC.

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP

2 Los Angeles Rams @ 1 New Orleans Saints

When: Sunday, January 20th at 2:05 p.m. CT

This game will feature two of the best offenses in the NFL. These two teams did face off in the regular season in New Orleans. The Saints won 45-35. The Saints struggled a bit offensively last week versus the Philadelphia Eagles. Their defense continued its hot streak by allowing only 49 rushing yards and snatching two interceptions. The Rams dismantled the Dallas Cowboys last week. Their rush defense stepped up and held RB Ezekiel Elliot to a mere 47 yards. Rams RB C.J. Anderson made a name for himself last week, giving the Rams a good combination for running the ball.

One key for both teams will be time control. Both teams have great offenses that can get a lot of first downs and score. The Rams have the advantage now that they have a two-headed monster at RB. Another one will be big plays on defense. Getting turnovers should be the main objective. The Saints have the better defense overall. They have been solid all year. The Rams are prone to give up a lot of yards at times. This game will be a shootout. The Saints have what it takes to pull off another victory. They have the home field advantage. There’s doubt that the Rams can contain QB Drew Brees.

Winner: New Orleans Saints

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP

2 New England Patriots @ 1 Kansas City Chiefs

When: Sunday, January 20th 5:40 p.m. CT

The Chiefs proved all doubters of their defense wrong last week. They stepped up tremendously and annihilated the Indianapolis Colts. The Chiefs only gave up 203 passing yards and allowed 5.6 yards per pass. The Patriots showed why they are arguably the best franchise in the NFL. They picked apart the Los Angeles Chargers. After many people wrote off the Patriots, they still look formidable. Their run defense was outstanding. They only allowed 19 total yards.

Although the Chiefs defense made strides last week, they have a huge challenge ahead of them. The Patriots are masters at game-planning. The Patriots beat the Chiefs 43-40 earlier this season at home. This time, they will be in Kansas City in one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL. The weather will be brutally cold. Both offenses will pile up a ton of yards and points. This game will come down to which defense get stops in the second half. The Patriots defense is more trustworthy.